Only two copies of this large card are known.  It is part of a set of 10 Hanshin Tigers players.  Fujimura’s team, position and name are printed horizontally across the bottom of the card in white Japanese text.  Interestingly, “Japan Baseball Federation issued” is printed at lower right in parentheses, making JBR 78 one of the first card sets, if not the first, ever authorized by Japan Pro Baseball!

Fumio Fujimura played for the Hanshin Tigers from 1936 to 1959.  He was a third baseman who occasionally pitched, appearing on the mound in eight different seasons.  In 1949, Fujimura was at the height of his powers.  That season, he stroked 46 home runs and batted in 142 runs.  Both totals led Japan Pro Baseball, and as a result he was awarded the league’s Most Valuable Player award.  Fujimura is seen charging a hard grounder on this card.

Blank back card

Size:  3 3/8” x 5 7/8”

Condition:  Would be Ex if not for two pinholes near the top.